Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Forsyte Saga captivated the British public for 26 consecutive Sundays during 1967. Based on John Galsworthy's novels, it was a splendid production that spanned many years and was the last major drama to be made in black and white.

The theme tune was composed by Eric Coates and this version was recorded by Cyril Stapleton in 1968.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Follyfoot was a memorable series with a social conscience where people and animals were given a second chance.
Three series were made between 1971 and 1973 by Yorkshire Television. It was broadcast by RTE during 1985 and 1986.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Fireball XL5 was a science fiction show from the genius Andersons - Gerry and Sylvia. Once again, Marionettes were to the fore and 39 black and white episodes were produced.

Barry Gray wrote the theme which was sung by Don Spencer. Gray would also go on to write the music for other Anderson shows such as Thunderbirds and Space 1999. The version here was a contemporary instrumental cover version by The Flee-Rekkers who were managed by Joe Meek. It's a fine cover which deserves more widespread acclaim.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Emmerdale Farm started life as daytime Yorkshire TV drama in 1972. The pace was a lot slower then and watching the Network DVD releases of the first 52 episodes, I am immediately struck by the keen plotting and strong character development.

RTE started showing episodes in September 1983 - right from the start, five days a week. It was a glorious time.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Emergency Ward 10 began in 1957 and ran for ten years until it is suddenly cancelled during the summer of love. A mainstay of ATV's programming during that time, it built up a loyal following and wasn't afraid to shy away from controversy - featuring an interracial kiss at one point.

Loveable Aussie Charles "Bud" Tingwell starred which is a major selling point. Great theme by Peter Yorke. Magnificently moody.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

This is the stereo version of the original theme that was used from the series inception in 1963 until it was updated in 1980. Composed by Ron Grainer and realised by Delia Derbyshire. A truly haunting and memorable piece of music.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Doctor In The House was the first of five separate dramas based on Richard Gordon's Doctor books.

It started in 1970 with the opening episode penned by John Cleese and Graham Chapman of Monty Python. Bill Oddie and Graham Garden then took the reins for the rest of the run.

Doctor In The House was followed by Doctor At Sea, Doctor At Large, Doctor On The Go and Doctor In Charge. The sprightly theme was written by Alan Tew, a man who could really create a swinging tune. It lasted throughout the 90 odd episodes.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Makes a contrast with the weekly schedules published here. This ran from 1980 to 1993 (including a four year hiatus from 1987 to 1991) and was presented by Ludovic Kennedy for most of the run with Jeremy Paxman picking it up in the early 1990s run.

The theme tune was by Francis Monkman who had also worked on the score for The Long Good Friday.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Department S was the first showcase for sauve novelist / detective Jason King played to perfection by Peter Wyngarde. Their brief was to take cases that were considered too tricky for Interpol. It ran for 28 memorable episodes and is another jewel in the ITC crown.

The theme tune was composed by Edwin Astley and this outstanding cover version is performed by Cyril Stapleton.